Sydney is often touted as the ultimate stop on any Australian itinerary, and with good reason. It’s hard not to be totally enamored by a city when it’s home to the world’s most famous opera house and hugged by the world’s largest natural harbor, capturing the best of the arts and coastal living in one locale. Due it’s advantageous positioning on the coast, Sydneysiders are constantly attracted to the ocean, and almost every beach has a seawater pool for locals to enjoy, like the iconic Bondi Baths, which is a must on any trip to the city. But unbeknownst to most visitors, there’s a local-centric hot spot just outside of town, debunking typical notions of Sydney as a beach-only destination. Less than two hours to the west, the haze of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area begins. Just as New Yorkers have the Catskills, Sydneysiders have the Blue Mountains, so during your next trip to Oz, discover how locals do an inland holiday in the region, home to nearly 2.5 million acres filled with seven national parks comprised of forests, craggy sandstone cliffs, and bushland where kangaroos roam free.

Take a heli-tour over Sydney before arriving at the Greater Blue Mountains Area.You can certainly drive to the Blue Mountains from Sydney, but the best way to see the city collide with the effervescent haze of the mountains is by helicopter. Board a flight with Sydney HeliTours, which depart from a private outpost near the Sydney airport. Once you’re airborne, you’ll immediately be captivated by an aerial view of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks, like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Yachts and sailboats bob in the soft sway of the ocean’s tide, and shadows dance along the water as the city’s bustling downtown meets the rolling hills of the Blue Mountains.

Go on a kangaroo safari at a luxury resort.Arriving to Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley is an experience in itself. A helicopter will land you right on the property grounds, home to the most luxurious resort in the area, located along Australia’s Great Dividing Range between the Wollemi National Park and the Gardens of Stone National Park. The resort occupies just 1 percent of the 7,000-acre conservancy, and animal encounters are the highlight of the stay. Opt to take an exclusive wildlife drive through the grounds, where a guide will tell you about the history of the land and help you spot wallaroos, kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats. To get even closer to the wildlife, mountain-bike through the property’s trails or take a guided horseback ride by way of the stables.

View Three Sisters at the Echo Point Lookout at Katoomba.Visiting the Blue Mountains means visiting Aboriginal land, home to the Darug, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri, Wanaruah, Darkinjung, and Dharawal people. With a rich history of ancient art and ceremonial sites, the landscape is best interpreted by way of a local guide, who can reveal the stories that encompass the stone escarpments and shallow caves that dot the land. During a trip to Jamison Valley, visit Echo Point Lookout at Katoomba to view the Three Sisters rock formation, sandstone peaks towering nearly 3,000 feet to the sky. According to one legend, the stone pillars were once three sisters who were cast into stone by a tribal elder to protect them once the elder discovered they had fallen in love with three brothers of a rival tribe.

Journey along the Greater Blue Mountains Drive to inland wineries.Consisting of a series of linked roads and trails crisscrossing nearly 750 miles, the Greater Blue Mountains Drive is a chance to explore the best of the region, as well as outside places where wine valleys are abundant. Located in a fertile valley along the Cudgegong River, Mudgee is the first area in Australia to grow both Chardonnay and Merlot grapes, and it has expanded into more than 40 wineries across the valley, making it well worth a detour along the Greater Blue Mountains Drive. During an experience with Western Wine Tours, discover how the valley’s location is home to rich volcanic soil and a warm climate, leading to distinct, flavorsome wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz.

Visit Leura for the best gardens, cafés, and shops.After taking in the great outdoors, visit Leura, home to a quaint, tree-lined village full of cozy cafés and art galleries. Located near Katoomba, this mountain outpost boasts stunning scenery and is known for its abundant gardens and heritage homes. Visit the Everglades House and Gardens for a dose of 1930s charm. While atop the property’s terraces, enjoy sweeping valley views and walk over 12 acres of winding paths where garden flowers bloom. Downtown, visit Starflower Apothecary and iKOU for essential oils and herbal teas, and drop in Leura Garage for coffee before venturing to the Nook, an artisan cooperative featuring the best works from creatives in the area. Leave downtown for the Leura Cascades to view falls set amid fragrant eucalyptus trees, later dining at Solitary—perched above thefalls—for a hearty meal of goat cheese soufflé and pumpkin gnocchi.